Perpetual Adoration

What is Adoration?

Adoration (in a holy hour) is a period of meditation, prayers and devotion in the presence of the Holy Eucharist exposed on the altar. There is no fixed way to spend the hour; the adorer will probably experiment with many. In a sense it is continuation in time of the moment of elevation at Mass, when the priest shows the host to the people, who pause momentarily in adoration. Epiphany began Perpetual Adoration on Easter morning 2007 as a response to the Holy Father's request for greater devotion to Christ in the Eucharist. It is called "perpetual" because the Holy Eucharist is exposed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week...except for Holy Saturday.

What happens in Adoration?

There are no hard and fast rules to follow, but here are some customs to guide your initial visit with the Lord.

Upon entering make a profound reverence. This is typically done by making a "double-genuflection", that is, drop to both knees and lower the head a few inches in profound respect.

Please be quiet and make as little noise as possible, unless you have a group signed up for specific purposes (rosary, divine mercy chaplet, etc.). If alone, feel free to vocalize your prayer.

You may kneel, sit or stand.

Create a little plan to divide the holy hour. Some divide the period into four blocks of fifteen minutes (adoration and thanksgiving; rosary; intercession and pondering; spiritual reading). You will find your own way, but don't hesitate to ask a priest or deacon, or anyone spiritually mature, to offer direction. And make good use of the books available.

At the end of your holy hour, again make a double genuflection and leave without distracting others.

Are you interested in signing up for Adoration?

There are 168 hours in a week: it takes about 336 people to keep adoration going 24/7. Ask yourself, your family, and your friends when (not if!) you can best fit an hour of adoration into your weekly schedule. If you are interested in becoming an adorer, please contact Patti Zehr at 815-844-7683.